CNU Professor and The New World Make Beautiful Music Together
News Release - July 22, 2004
contact:
Gregory P. Bilyeu
gbilyeu@cnu.edu
757-594-8428
(NEWPORT NEWS, VA) — Kathleen Joyce-Grendahl, adjunct professor of flute at Christopher Newport University, will teach Native American flute in the upcoming New Line Cinema film, The New World.
“This experience has been truly amazing,” said Joyce-Grendahl. “Everyone on this project is so pleasant and genuine.” Discovered by the film’s producers who sought an expert on Native American flute, Joyce-Grendahl teaches World's Music and Applied Flute courses and directs the Flute Choir at CNU.
The New World, an epic adventure set amid the encounter of European and Native American cultures following the formation of the Jamestown settlement in 1607, stars Colin Farrell as John Smith and Christopher Plummer as Christopher Newport. Production is currently underway near Jamestown and is scheduled for a November 2005 release.
“My work on this project is with regard to the Native American flute usage within the movie,” said Joyce-Grendahl. “I have consulted with the film’s director Terrence Malick on the types of flutes used by the indigenous peoples of this area. Specifically, we discussed the materials from which the flutes were created, instrument aesthetics and construction, the sound-producing mechanisms, the number of finger holes, context in which the instruments were played, and the music performed on the flutes.” Based upon Joyce-Grendahl’s research, she commissioned Jim Gilliland, a flute maker, to create replicas of the instruments for the film.
“Dr. Joyce-Grendahl’s work in this film is a shining example of how higher education affects literally every aspect of our daily lives,” said Mark Reimer, associate professor and director of music at CNU. “The greatest gift we can give our students is the realization that education is a lifetime pursuit.”
At Malick’s request, Joyce-Grendahl is teaching Pocahontas (played by Q'Orianka Kilcher), to play the flute, in addition to others. She added that musical instruments within this indigenous culture often imitated nature and wildlife. “Since Mr. Malick has an affinity for the wood thrush and the hermit thrush, he asked that I create music based upon these birds' calls,” said Joyce-Grendahl. “He is a brilliant, sensitive man and authenticity is his goal. His knowledge of this area is impressive. I am honored to know him and work on his project.”
Christopher Newport University is a four-year public university in Newport News, Virginia. CNU enrolls nearly 4,800 students through its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the School of Business. CNU's faculty and staff of nearly 1,000 focus on "students first," outstanding teaching, access and opportunity, and liberal learning. CNU is committed to leadership in the community and the Commonwealth.